We vigorously advocate for the American airline industry as a model of safety, customer service and environmental responsibility; and as the indispensable network that drives our nation's economy and global competitiveness.

A4A’s Climate Change Commitment

Airlines for America (A4A) and its members are part of a worldwide aviation coalition that has committed to a global framework on aviation and climate change under the United Nations body that sets standards and recommended practices for international aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Our “global sectoral approach” for aviation carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions includes an aggressive set of measures and emissions targets. Our emissions targets include an annual average fuel-efficiency improvement of 1.5 percent through 2020 and carbon-neutral growth from 2020, subject to critical government infrastructure and technology investments such as air traffic control modernization, with an aspirational goal of a 50 percent reduction in CO2 by 2050 relative to 2005 levels.

Our focus is on getting further fuel efficiency and emissions savings through new aircraft technology, sustainable alternative aviation fuels and air traffic management and infrastructure improvements. Should the industry not be able to achieve carbon-neutral growth in international aviation from 2020 through concerted industry and government investment in technology, operations and infrastructure initiatives, we support implementation of the internationally-agreed market-based mechanism, the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), to “fill the gap.”

As a result of our efforts to date, U.S. airlines account for only 2 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory, but 5 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

We are not resting on our record. The initiatives U.S. airlines are undertaking to further address our emissions are designed to responsibly and effectively limit our fuel consumption, emissions and potential climate change impacts, while allowing commercial aviation to continue to serve as a key contributor to the U.S. economy. And A4A and its members also are working closely with our aviation partners in the Air Transport Action Group and with ICAO to achieve these important goals on a global level. For more information on our global initiative, please visit the following web link: http://aviationbenefits.org/environmental-efficiency/aviation-and-climate-change/our-climate-plan/